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Fact check: If The Godfather was released in 2024, it would not meet diversity and inclusion standards to be eligible for nomination for an Academy Award.
1. Summary of the results
The Academy has implemented specific diversity and inclusion standards for Best Picture eligibility starting with the 96th Oscars [1] [2]. To qualify, films must meet TWO out of FOUR standards covering:
- On-screen representation
- Creative leadership
- Industry access
- Audience development [3]
For on-screen representation specifically, a film must have either a lead/significant supporting actor from an underrepresented racial/ethnic group OR have 30% of secondary actors from at least two underrepresented categories [4].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
The standards were not created in isolation but were developed by Academy governors and inspired by the British Film Institute's Diversity Standards [2]. The requirements are more comprehensive than just cast diversity - they extend to:
- Production companies
- Film crews
- Marketing teams
- Plot representation [5]
This means a film could potentially fail to meet on-screen diversity requirements but still qualify by meeting standards in other areas like industry access or audience development.
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement presents an oversimplified view of a complex issue. While sources suggest that The Godfather would face "significant challenges" in meeting these requirements without modifications [5], it's important to note that:
1. The film wouldn't need to meet ALL diversity requirements - only two out of four standards [3]
2. The standards offer multiple pathways to qualification beyond just on-screen representation
3. The statement implies a binary outcome when the reality is more nuanced
Who benefits from this narrative?
- Critics of diversity initiatives in Hollywood who might use this as an example of "overreach"
- Those who benefit from maintaining traditional power structures in the film industry
- Media outlets and commentators who benefit from generating controversy around these standards
While sources confirm the existence and specifics of these standards [6], they also demonstrate that the requirements are more flexible and multifaceted than the original statement suggests.